The Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation comprising Gajuwaka Municipality and 32 surrounding gram panchayats came into being on Monday with the Government issuing the necessary GOs.

Two GOs were issued, one abolishing the Gajuwaka Municipality and the other constituting the Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation according to information received by the VM, its Secretary Mohana Rao said.

Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (VMC) has recognized that there will quiet many advantages when the Greater Visakha is formed. Greater Visakha jurisdiction extends to an enormous geographical area of over 500 Sq/km with a population roughly around 20 lakhs (2 millions). A survey organized by Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation with the question gave interesting results. 555 felt that 'Greater Visakha' is indispensable for a holistic and uniform development of entire Visakha. 1026 felt that it will be Compatible with the existing system while 84 felt that it is just another ploy by the Government to delay municipal polls.